Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy

MA/PGDip International Studies and Diplomacy (2018 entry)

MA:
One calendar year (full time).
Two or three years (part time).
PGDip:
One academic year (full time).
Two academic years (part time).

Fees 2019/20

UK/EU fees:

£16,315

Overseas fees:

£22,810

Fees for 2019/20 entrants. This is a Band 6 fee. The fees are per academic year. Please note that fees go up each year.Further details can be found in the Fees and Funding tab on this page or in the Registry Postgraduate Tuition Fees page

Entry requirements

A minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). We welcome applications from academically strong individuals from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds. It is not always necessary to have a first degree in a discipline directly related to the programme.

Featured events

26Feb

06Mar

09Mar

Overview

Venue: Russell Square: College Buildings

Start of programme: September intake only

Mode of Attendance: Full-time or Part-time

Who is this programme for?:

The MA/PGDip International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) programme is designed for those engaged in, or planning to embark upon, a professional career requiring international expertise in government, not-for-profit, corporate or academic environments.

ISD aims to prepare students for a variety of roles, such as working within a Foreign Service or other government department; international civil service (such as the United Nations or European Union); international NGOs (working in fields such as development, humanitarian assistance and conflict resolution); multinational corporations and international media. The programme also suits those engaged in or considering research roles within a policy think tank, risk analysis organisation or doctoral programme and seeking to deepen their academic and practical understanding of international affairs and contemporary diplomatic practice.

The programme has a multi-disciplinary structure and draws on the teaching and research strengths of CISD and of the SOAS departments of International Politics, Law, Economics and area studies (especially of Asia, Africa and the Middle East) as well as a wide range of languages. Students choose a combination of modules to meet their specific professional needs and personal interests.

Students on this course will have the opportunity to participate in CISD's Study Tour of Geneva.

Programme Objectives

Excellent inter-disciplinary understanding of key concepts, theories and debates in the study of international affairs

Excellent knowledge of international policy debates and principle issues from perspectives of both the global North and South

Ability to undertake critical analysis of contemporary international policy issues and challenges

Development of module specific practical skills such as policy analysis and policy advocacy, negotiation, mediation, communication and media relations.

We welcome applications from academically strong individuals from a wide variety of fields and backgrounds; however, it is not necessary to have a first degree in a discipline directly related to the programme.

Each application is assessed on its individual merits and entry requirements may be modified in light of relevant professional experience and where the applicant can demonstrate a sustained practical interest in the international field.

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Dr Dan Plesch, Director of CISD at SOAS University of London talks about the masters programme

C) Options

Please note that acceptance onto an Options module is subject to availability of places, timetabling, and the approval of the convenor of that course.
Suggested electives for International Studies and Diplomacy students
Full Unit modules (1.0)
*List of guided options LIST C

Important notice

Teaching and Learning

Teaching & Learning

The programme may be taken in one year (full time) or in two or three years part time (MA only), with the schedule designed to allow participation by those in full-time employment. Participants may choose a combination of modules to meet their professional needs and personal interests. The programme is convened on a multi-disciplinary basis, and teaching is through lectures, tutorials and workshops conducted by SOAS faculty and visiting specialists.

The Centre endeavours to make as many of the modules for International Studies and Diplomacy (ISD) accessible to part-time students. Where possible the majority of CISD lectures are at 18.00; however, lecture times will be rotated on a yearly basis for some modules (between evening and daytime slots) so that part-time students will have access to as many modules as possible over the duration of their degree. Associated tutorials are repeated in hourly slots with the latest taking place at 20.00. Students sign up for tutorial groups at the start of term and stay in the same group throughout the academic year. There is a minimum of two and a half hours formal teaching a week (lecture and tutorial) for each ISD module taken. Practical exercises may take place at weekends.

Teaching includes

Wide range of modules: Diplomatic Studies and Practice, International Relations, International Economics, International Law, and International Security

Wide choice of electives: Global Energy and Climate Policy, Multinational Enterprises in a Globalising World or a module offered by other SOAS departments (e.g. Development Studies, Politics, Economics, Law, Languages)

Interaction with diplomats, policy makers, NGO officials and other international practitioners.

Training in negotiation, policy analysis, policy advocacy, communication and media and other skills through practical exercises including strategy, communication and media workshops, moots courts, and negotiation and mediation workshops.

Further activities

Included in the degree programme:

Week long study trip to United Nations organisations in Geneva

Media and communication skills training by current and former BBC staff

Guest lectures by leading scholars and senior practitioners, and policy conferences (visit the CISD website to listen to the podcasts)